The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

A loving start for babies

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From left: AdventHealth Executive Director Megan Miller, Coalition Executive Director Dr. Steve Knobl and Coalition Early Literacy Specialist Sherri Sabadishin. (Courtesy of Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties Inc.)

The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties extended its new early literacy program for parent and child, Loving Start, in East Pasco County with AdventHealth Zephyrhills.

The coalition selected the book “Cuddle” by Elizabeth Verdick and Marjorie Lsoviskis, which is part of Free Spirit Publishing’s Happy Healthy Baby Series.

The collection of publications assists new mothers in their quest to establish language and relationships from the moment their child is born.

AdventHealth Zephyrhills received 600 copies of “Cuddle,” which will be distributed as part of the hospital’s Birth Day Experience for new moms.

Chalk Talk 06/22/2022

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From left: Heather Wallen; Melonie Monson; award recipients Erin Caffarelli, Diya Patel, Natalie O’Donovan, Emily Kirk, Emile Limoges and Madison Poe; Dr. Randy Stovall; and, Vicki Wiggins. (Courtesy of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce)

A night of excellence
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce awarded $3,000 in scholarships to six Zephyrhills High School seniors at the school’s Night of Excellence Academic Awards Ceremony. Recipients of the scholarships were selected based on community service, presentation, character, and academic achievement.

These students each received $500 for the chamber’s Academic and Vocational Scholarships:

  • Erin Caffarelli plans to attend Pasco-Hernando State College and major in automotive engineering/technology.
  • Emily Kirk will attend Saint Leo University to major in sport business and marketing.
  • Emile Limoges plans to attend Black Hawk East College and major in agriculture science.
  • Natalie O’Donovan will attend Saint Leo University to major in elementary education.
  • Diya Patel has not yet decided on a college, but plans to major in pre-med.
  • Madison Poe will attend the University of Florida and focus on a degree in biology.

Community Job Fair
Pasco County Schools will host its seventh annual Pasco Community Job Fair on June 23 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Zephyrhills High School, 6335 12th St.

Participants can meet hiring managers from district departments, Pasco County Emergency Services, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Pasco Tax Collector, Pasco County BOCC, military branches, and more.

Job opportunities will be available in these areas: bus drivers, food service, information services/help desk, custodian, skilled trades, finance services, customer services, mechanics, and more.

Register online at EventBrite.com.

School Choice open
Pasco County Schools’ Pasco Pathways Innovative Programs and School Choice application windows for the 2022-2023 school year close on June 24 at 4:30 p.m. Visit Pasco.k12.fl.u3/ed_choice.

(Courtesy of Renee Gerstein, Saint Leo University)

Key to the city awarded
Saint Leo University President Jeffrey D. Senese (center) received the key to the City of Tampa in May. Senese accepted the key on behalf of the university, which was a gift from Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. Presenting the key were John Bennett, chief of staff for the city and mayor (left), and Tampa Police Department Assistant Chief of Operations Lee Bercaw. The presentation followed a doctoral hooding ceremony in which both Bennett and Bercaw received their Doctor of Criminal Justice hoods in advance of graduating from Saint Leo on May 14, with doctoral degrees.

Saint Leo admissions event
Saint Leo University will host “The Mane Event” on June 25 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for new and prospective undergraduate students. This is the last chance for incoming students to experience the university and its campus.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore Saint Leo’s academics, community and student services, while completing preparations for August classes.

The day will include class registration, financial aid meetings, department presentations, housing selection, parking registration, student ID photos, tours, residence hall walk-throughs, and more.

Students and their families can bring transcripts for the final round of Fall 2022 instant admission sessions, complete an on-site application, take placement exams, submit their deposit, and meet faculty and staff from various departments.

There also will be food trucks, prizes, music and giveaways.

Register online at SaintLeo.edu/mane-event.

For information, contact the Office of Admissions at 352-588-8283 or .

National Merit winners
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners, chosen from a pool of more than 15,000 finalists in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program.

The finalists were judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

These students in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area were named $2,500 winners:

  • Daniel J. Urbonas, Land O’ Lakes (Land O’ Lakes High School). Probable career field: Computer Science
  • Lauren E. Novorska, Lutz (Hillsborough High). Probable career field: Law

The NMSC also announced the winners of the National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities. Officials of each sponsor college selected their scholarship winners from among the finalists in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program who plan to attend their institution.

  • Aahan Dwivedi, Land O’ Lakes (Hillsborough High): University of Florida, physics
  • Leo P. Melson, Lutz (Middleton High): University of Central Florida, computer engineering
  • Lily Viet, Lutz, (King High): University of South Florida, biomedicine
  • Kenneth P. Chew, Wesley Chapel (Pasco High): University of Florida, computer programming

Teacher appreciation
Sonic Drive-In donated $1.5 million to help fund local education needs through DonorsChoose, a national nonprofit that allows individuals to donate directly to public school classroom requests submitted by teachers.

As part of Sonic’s ongoing Limeades for Learning initiative, the brand matched 50% of each donation made to teacher requests on DonorsChoose for Teacher Appreciation Day, according to a news release.

These Land O’ Lakes teachers received funding:

  • Monique Large, Countryside Montessori Charter School, for the project SOLO Time, for grades six to eight
  • Brittany Leidel at Sanders Memorial Elementary, for the project Organize and Appreciate, for prekindergarten through second grade

Dade City teachers who received funding were:

  • Jo Ann Fiscus, Pasco Elementary, for the project Scribble and Write in Kindergarten, for prekindergarten through second grade
  • Julie Pitts, Pasco Elementary, for the project Reading Fun in First Grade, for prekindergarten through second grade
  • In Odessa, Josh Arnold at Walker Middle School, received funding for two projects: Pencils and More, and Class Store Supplies, for grades six to eight.

Summer meals program
Pasco County Schools Summer Food Service program continues through July 29.

Breakfasts and lunches will be provided Monday through Thursday to anyone age 18 and younger, at various West Pasco, Central Pasco and East Pasco schools.

Students attending PLACE or Extended School Year programs will receive meals on campus while attending the program.

For school locations, visit Connectplus.pasco.k12.fl.us/summerfoodpasco/site-locations/.

Additionally, buses will be available at these locations, also Monday through Thursday:

  • Hilltop Landings Apartments, 37611 Colina Drive, Dade City
  • Resurrection House Park, 37124 Lock St., Dade City
  • Trilby United Methodist Church, 37504 Trilby Road, Dade City
  • Zephyrhills YMCA, 37301 Chapel Hill Loop, Zephyrhills
  • Crystal Springs Community Center, 1655 Partridge Blvd., Zephyrhills

For questions and information, email .

Ezrah Renee loves children

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Ezrah Renee is a 3 ½-year-old Miniature Australian Shepherd. She is CGC certified and serves as a therapy dog. Ezrah Renee and her handler have Multi Discipline Therapy K9 Team and Law Enforcement Investigative Therapy Dog Training. Ezrah Renee loves people, especially children. She also loves belly rubs, herding her jolly ball and going to work with her human. Ezrah Renee lives in Dade City with her proud owner, Karen Gordon.

On the prowl

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Armadillos are burrowing, chiefly nocturnal mammals with strong claws and a jointed protective covering of bony plates. Armadillos tend to like dark, enclosed places, like the space inside clumps of bushes or behind low-hanging brush. If you repeatedly notice armadillos in your yard, consider changing the landscaping to eliminate their potential shelter. The word armadillo means ‘little armored one’ in Spanish. Bernard Welton, of Land O’ Lakes, caught these two out and about behind his home.

Take precautions now, to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses

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West Central Florida county health departments are emphasizing the importance for Florida’s residents and visitors to protect themselves against mosquito-borne diseases.

The department also encourages the public to remain diligent in preventative measures, such as “Drain and Cover,” according to a Department of Health (DOH)-Pasco County news release.

The DOH continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including the West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, St. Louis Encephalitis, Malaria, and Dengue, the release said.

A human case of West Nile Virus has been confirmed in Hillsborough County. Health officials urge residents to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites. (File)

The health department offers these tips, in the fight against illnesses.

Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying

  • Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, and other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
  • Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots, pans, or other items that aren’t being used.
  • Empty birdbaths and pet water bowls at least once or twice a week.
  • Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
  • Maintain swimming pools in good condition and chlorinate appropriately. Empty plastic swimming pools.

Cover skin with clothing or repellent

  • Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
  • Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellent according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, and IR3535 are effective. Some repellents are not suitable for children. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

To determine which repellent is right for you, use the U.S. Environmental Agency’s search tool at cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/#searchform, for skin-applied repellent products.

For more information or questions, contact your county health department. DOH-Pasco can be reached at 727-619-0300.

Published June 15, 2022

NAMI Pasco raises more than $34,000

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The pups of NAMI Walks Your Way Pasco show off their tutus on walk day. From left: Casey, Pixie and Bailey. (Courtesy of Timothy Proulx)

NAMI Pasco hosted its first ever NAMI Walks Your Way Pasco, in May. Although the event was virtual, key sponsors and NAMI supporters met in person, to stream the kickoff live to Facebook.

David Snyder was the master of ceremonies and Debbie L. Proulx, NAMI’s executive director, explained the way the funds will be used, and thanked the sponsors and key supporters.

A total of 184 registered walkers and 23 teams took part, according to a news release.

NAMI Pasco is not funded by its national organization. It will use the $34,349 raised to continue to offer its free support groups, education classes, and health and wellness coaching, said Proulx, the release.

She said it’s a boost to participants in NAMI’S free programs to witness the community’s support, and said it can help them feel less alone.

She noted that many who joined in, or donated, did so in honor of a loved one who is no longer here because of suicide. Those suicides that may have been prevented if they had been connected with services offered through NAMI, Proulx said, in the release.

Timothy squared: Timothy Proulx Sr., with NAMI Pasco’s therapy dog Timothy Proulx Jr. (Courtesy of Debbie Proulx)
Two participants ‘walked their way’ while skydiving for the NAMI Walks Your Way Pasco event. (Courtesy of Debbie Proulx)
These sponsors share a selfie, during the NAMI Walks event. Bottom: Sandra Wright, left, and Molina Xiomara Rivera. Top: Erik Gooden, left, and Eddie Williams. (Courtesy of Debbie Proulx)

Chalk Talk 06/08/2022

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A line of 55 pictures of students from Country Walk splits in the intersection of Country Point Boulevard and English Turn Way. It resumes with high school graduates and others. (Fred Bellet)

Country Walk celebrates Class of 2022
Motorists entering Country Walk had a chance to celebrate graduates of all ages, with signs bearing photographs of their favorite graduates.

The tradition got its start during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to George O’Connor, a resident there. The parents and grandparents purchase signs with their favorite graduate’s photo, which are then put on display, he said.

Mindy Gammage placed the signs in the median of the community’s main entrance.This year, 55 graduates were featured.

(Courtesy of Shantel Meyers)

Woman’s club awards scholarships
The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Cub presented its 2022 scholarship winners with certificates of congratulations. One of the scholarships was a generous donation from a supporting couple of the woman’s club, and was named in honor of the wife’s father who was a school teacher for more than 30 years. The A. Joseph DeGennaro scholarship was awarded to Lana Guzman. From left: Marie Ambrosino, club scholarship chairman; and scholarship winners Brianna Harris, Isabella Villegas-Lombeyda and Lana Guzman. Harris will be attending Saint Leo University, and Villegas-Lombeyda and Guzman will be attending the University of Florida.

 

 

 

Summer meals program
Pasco County Schools Summer Food Service program began June 6 and continues through July 29.

Breakfasts and lunches will be provided Monday through Thursday to anyone age 18 and younger, at various West Pasco, Central Pasco and East Pasco schools.

Students attending PLACE or Extended School Year programs will receive meals on campus while attending the program.

For school locations, visit Connectplus.pasco.k12.fl.us/summerfoodpasco/site-locations/.

Additionally, buses will be available at these locations, also Monday through Thursday:

  • Hilltop Landings Apartments, 37611 Colina Drive, Dade City
  • Resurrection House Park, 37124 Lock St., Dade City
  • Trilby United Methodist Church, 37504 Trilby Road, Dade City
  • Zephyrhills YMCA, 37301 Chapel Hill Loop, Zephyrhills
  • Crystal Springs Community Center, 1655 Partridge Blvd., Zephyrhills

For questions and information, email .

Summer Haul Pass
Students can ride GoPasco County Public Transportation buses on regular routes all summer, for just $20. The special rate is effective June, July and August 2022.

Summer Haul Passes are available at these locations:

  • GoPasco Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., New Port Richey
  • Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Office, East/West Pasco Government Centers
  • Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores, in Dade City, New Port Richey and Wesley Chapel
  • County libraries

For more information, visit bit.ly/SummerBusPass.

Student achievements

  • William Brockman, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College
  • Austin Brown, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College
  • Hannah Coleman, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College
  • Kassidy Gordon, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College
  • John Martinez, of Dade City, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Management, from Union University (Jackson, Tennessee)
  • Ryleigh McElroy, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Talllahassee Community College
  • JoAna Mucklow, of Odessa, Chancellor’s Honor Roll at the University of Mississippi. Mucklow is majoring in general business.
  • Mykayla Christine Parise-King, of Lutz, Honor Roll of the Academic Dean at Mars Hill University (North Carolina)
  • Brynnan Popper, of Odessa, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College

Fee adjustment meeting
Pasco-Hernando State College’s (PHSC) District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its board meeting on June 21 at 6 p.m., at the North Campus.

Fee adjustment proposals are reviewed and approved for DBOT consideration by PHSC’s Council of Academic Affairs, a committee that includes representation by administrators, deans, academic department chairs, program directors, faculty and staff.

Many fee adjustments relate to vendor increases for workforce courses, laboratories, and program testing. Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants.

For details regarding proposed fee adjustments, justification for the fees and fee implementation details, visit Policies.phsc.edu, and click on Policies and Procedures, Public Disclosures.

Dudley has lots of energy

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Dudley will celebrate his first birthday on June 21. He loves his walks and bully sticks. He enjoys his play dates at Pet Paradise, with his fellow furry friends at day camp. Dudley lives with his ‘fur’ mom, Alison Camp, in Wesley Chapel and bring her tons of joy and happiness.

All nestled in

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John Oddo, of San Antonio, snapped this photo of a Cuban tree frog during its respite in a plant leaf. These invasive frogs prey on native frogs, small lizards and small snakes.

Protect the environment, help to save manatees

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Fertilizer can promote a healthy, vibrant lawn, but applying too much or applying it incorrectly can cause chemical runoff that pollutes the ground and surface water.

(STEFANIE BURLINGAME)

This causes harmful algae blooms that choke out seagrass, which is the main food source for manatees, according to a Pasco County news release.

More than 1,100 manatees died in Florida last year, many due to starvation from the lack of seagrass, the release says.

Harmful chemical runoff is most likely during the rainy season — June through September — and the resulting algae blooms also can cause flooding.

Pasco County offers these fertilizer application tips that can help to protect the environment:

• Follow package directions to avoid over-fertilizing.

•Avoid spreading fertilizer on sidewalks, streets and gutters.

• Don’t apply fertilizer within 10 feet of any body of water.

• Don’t apply fertilizer ahead of expected flooding or tropical storms.

For more information, please visit KeepPascoBeautiful.org, and click on Programs, Fertilizer Awareness.